A DUI arrest in Georgia will likely increase your car insurance premiums. You may also be subject to penalties and fines. Georgia, as with most other states, is very strict about drunk driving. To discourage impaired drivers from driving, the consequences can be severe.
What does a DUI do to your insurance rates?
A DUI could be a sign that an individual is likely to engage in reckless behavior. This isn’t just anecdotal evidence. According to the NHTSA, drunk drivers are responsible for more than 30% of traffic deaths in the United States. The study also showed that drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes with blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than.08 were four times more likely have had prior DUI convictions. Mothers Against Drunk Driving claims that drunk driving is the leading cause of death in America, despite distracted driving increasing.
Driving drunk can have a significant financial impact. In 2010, the most recent year for which data is available, DUIs caused $44 Billion in damages.
Insurance companies charge more for DUI drivers. The average driver pays nearly twice the amount annually for insurance after a DUI than they did before.
Average annual rates for DUI in the United States vs. their respective states
| Pre-DUI | After DUI | Percentage Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $1,674 | $3,336 | 99% |
| Georgia | $1,982 | $3,691 | 86% |
Although Georgia’s annual average percentage rise is lower than that of the national average, drivers can still expect higher car insurance premiums after a DUI.
What is the cost of insurance for a DUI in Georgia?
Georgia DUI convictions can result in insurance premiums that are 86% higher than the pre-DUI price. Although insurance companies consider many factors when calculating premiums, a DUI conviction is a significant factor.
Here are two tables that show the potential premium increases you might experience following a DUI with any of the insurance companies in Georgia. The first table shows minimum coverage. The second shows full coverage. You should be aware that your past criminal history and severity of your arrest may impact the amount you pay. Some insurance companies won’t write auto insurance policies for drivers who have been convicted of DUI. They may also refuse to renew your policy.
Georgia provider minimum coverage rates
Rates may not reflect any changes, as some carriers won’t renew your contract if you are convicted of DUI.
| Provider | Annual minimum coverage rate | DUI coverage minimum annual rate |
|---|---|---|
| ACCC Insurance | $659 | $794 |
| Alfa | $859 | $1,232 |
| Allstate | $706 | $1,728 |
| Auto-Owners | $532 | $1,198 |
| Country Financial | $614 | $1,110 |
| Donegal | $963 | $4,147 |
| Geico | $508 | $1,270 |
| Mercury | $760 | $1,217 |
| MetLife | $887 | $1,695 |
| All over the country | $585 | $1,082 |
| Progressive | $708 | $1,014 |
| Safeway | $945 | $1,316 |
| Southern General Agency | $3,354 | $5,606 |
| State Farm | $486 | $943 |
| USAA | $581 | $1,136 |
Georgia offers full coverage with DUI
Rates may not reflect any changes, as some carriers won’t renew your contract if you are convicted of DUI.
| Provider | Average full coverage rate for an average year | DUI coverage: Full coverage annually |
|---|---|---|
| ACCC Insurance | $1,945 | $2,255 |
| Alfa | $2,450 | $3,354 |
| Allstate | $1,718 | $4,500 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,494 | $2,993 |
| Country Financial | $2,183 | $3,536 |
| Donegal | $2,153 | $11,703 |
| Geico | $1,711 | $3,649 |
| Mercury | $1,915 | $2,757 |
| MetLife | $1,788 | $3,504 |
| All over the country | $1,202 | $2,263 |
| Progressive | $1,800 | $2,343 |
| Safeway | $2,372 | $3,164 |
| Southern General Agency | $6,717 | $10,745 |
| State Farm | $1,375 | $2,394 |
| USAA | $1,506 | $2,969 |
Other Georgia DUI Penalties
After a DUI conviction, Georgia drivers face many penalties. You could face jail time, community service, and fines.
Below is a table that lists the escalating punishments for repeat DUI convictions in Georgia. The penalties for drunk driving that causes injury or death to another person will likely be more severe than those listed below and will be decided by a court.
| First DUI | Second DUI | Third DUI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fines | Minimum $300 plus court fees or surcharges | $600- $1,000 plus court fees and surcharges | $1000-$5,000 plus court fees and surcharges |
| Jail Time | 1- 10 Days | 90 days up to one year (may be reduced with probation, but three days are still mandatory). | 120 days to one year (minimum 15 days must be spent in prison) |
| Probation | 1 Year | 1- 3 Years | 1- 3 Years |
| Community Service | Minimum 40 hours | 240 hours | 240 hours |
| Preventive Class | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| License Suspension | Possible, but only with a limited driving permit | Minimum 1 year | 5 years with the possibility of a limited permit the first two years |
| Device to Interlock Ignition | Variable | Yes | Yes |
Questions frequently asked
Is a DUI considered a felony in Georgia
A DUI is usually considered a misdemeanor. However, there are some situations in which a DUI could be considered a felony. These include multiple DUI arrests and DUIs that have resulted or caused the death or injury of another person.
What is an SR22?
An SR22 document that proves insurance is required by the State of Georgia. An SR22 is required by your insurer to notify Georgia’s Department of Driver Services (DDS), if your auto policy has been canceled. This proves that the DDS still holds auto insurance.